Synonyms of supersede

supersede

verb

ˌsü-pər-ˈsēd 

as in to replace

to take the place of

that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one

Synonyms & Similar Words

• replace
• supplant
• substitute
• relieve
• displace
• usurp
• displant
• preempt
• cut out

Synonym Chooser

How is the word supersede distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of supersede are displace, replace, and supplant. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

When is it sensible to use displace instead of supersede?

The synonyms displace and supersede are sometimes interchangeable, but displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When can replace be used instead of supersede?

While the synonyms replace and supersede are close in meaning, replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

Where would supplant be a reasonable alternative to supersede?

The meanings of supplant and supersede largely overlap; however, supplant implies either a dispossessing or usurping of another's place, possessions, or privileges or an uprooting of something and its replacement with something else.

was abruptly supplanted in her affections by another

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of supersede

The Braves extended Sale just days after acquiring him, signing him to a two-year, $38 million deal that superseded the previous contract and added an $18 million club option for 2026 with no buyout. —David O'Brien, New York Times, 16 May 2025

Moreover, this isn’t just another limit that will be superseded by the next generation of AI. —Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

His ruling Fidesz party has said the Pride march could be considered harmful to children and that protecting them would supersede the right to assemble. —Reuters, NBC news, 27 May 2025

The hope was for federal legislation that would supersede the more than 30 individual state laws that have made governance in college sports nearly impossible. —Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!